Blog Archives

FRIDAY: FAREWELL MATTHEW!

2/28/2015

Farewell Matthew!

Today, students learned more about reading strategies. They reviewed how to synthesize and evaluate what they are reading and watched an example of how to write their visible thinking down and to use it to come up with the big idea of a reading excerpt.

In addition to this, we all wished Matthew, our Korean exchange student, farewell as today was his last day with us. Many students became good friends with Matthew and he will be missed. We wish him all the best on his trip back to Seoul, Korea. Please keep in touch Matthew!

1.) SOCIAL STUDIES:

Your research is due on Monday (POINTS 2 AND 3 ON YOUR CRITERIA SHEET). Click here if you forgot your criteria sheet at school. It will be collected o Monday and you will receive descriptive feedback on what you can do to improve your research skills.
You must include what is listed on the criteria sheet for your sources of information. More specifically:

1.) 3-5 statistics/research
2.) 2 reliable links for each of the above statistics/research. You need 2 for each because the
information must be verified and confirmed with a second reliable source.
3.) 3 reasons why each of your statistic sources are reliable. Click here to Refer to the C.R.A.A.P.
test. I do not mind if you include 3 reasons for each statistic instead of doing 3 reasons for
each source. If this is unclear, be sure to ask questions here.

2.) MATH 6: Pg 263 #1-13
MATH 7: Pg 212 - 213 Remainder of questions, Mid Chapter Review to prepare for test, MID
CHAPTER QUIZ ON MONDAY (Area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, circumference, estimating circumference, vocabulary, etc)

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Post a free verse poem about any topic you want.
Incorporate some poetic devices (Onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhyme, rhythm, metaphors, similes, etc.)
Comment on at least 2 other poems.
Give 1 student some suggestions on how to improve their poems.
Ask 1 student a questions about the 'BIG IDEA' of their poem.
Edit/Revise

VIDEO LINKS:
To be udpated

THURSDAY: POTENTIAL AND KINETIC ENERGY

2/26/2015

Potential and Kinetic Energy

Today, the students learned more about potential and kinetic energy. They learned that potential energy is stored energy and kinetic energy is energy in motion. They came up with a variety of examples in class to show they understood the difference. The most unique example I saw of potential energy include a medieval catapult. When a roller coaster reaches the top of the tracks, it has potential energy. When it travels downward, it has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

1.) MATH 6: Pg 263 #1-13
MATH 7: Pg 212 - 213 Remainder of questions, Mid Chapter Review to prepare for test, MID CHAPTER QUIZ ON MONDAY (Area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, etc)

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES:

Your statistics/data, sources, and reasons why they are reliable are all due tomorrow. You must have this ready to hand in at the beginning of the day.
If you have any questions, refer to your criteria sheet and/or ask questions here.

3.) NOTICES:

Castle Fun Park forms are due.

4.) REPORT CARTS:

You will receive them on Monday.

5.) POST A RESPONSE:

Based on this video and what you learned in class today, explain potential energy and kinetic energy in your own words.
Give one example of each that was not discussed in class or in the video.
Comment/Ask questions/Give descriptive feedback to at least 2 students.
Respond to any feedback you receive.
Edit/revise

VIDEO LINKS:
Potential and Kinetic Energy

WEDNESDAY: Anti-Bullying Day

2/25/2015

Learning from the Experiences of Others

Today, many Hillcrest students showed their support for Anti-Bullying Day by wearing pink. Although we discuss it throughout the year, this is a day when we highlight bullying and the measures we can take to prevent it from happening in our class and our school. We reflected on this topic by watching a poem by a Shayne Coyczan, called 'TO THIS DAY'. The students are familiar with this poem because we watched it earlier in the term during our poetry unit. Poetry can come in various forms, and slam poetry, for which Shayne Coyczan is known, is one form that many people enjoy. You could hear a needle drop in the classroom when the students brainstormed their thoughts, connections, and feelings on this topic. Many students were able to share their deep thoughts on their pages.

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work. Check your teacher's website.
MATH 7: I CAN USE DIFFERENT STRATEGIES TO ESTIMATE THE AREA OF A CIRCLE.

Worksheet 5.5 Estimating Area of a Circle. We will your textbook work from the previous day, in class tomorrow.
Click here to review what you learned in class today on estimating the area of a circle. Fast forward to 3:11 in the video clip to see the grid and area of squares method for estimating the area of a circle.

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES: I CAN RESEARCH RELIABLE SOURCE AND EXPLAIN WHY THEY ARE RELIABLE.

You must have your research at school tomorrow. Be sure you have followed your criteria sheet carefully.
Make sure you have the correct number of reliable sources, links, and reasons why your sources of information are reliable.
DON'T FORGET TO USE YOUR CRITERIA SHEETS!!!!!

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, all of you were fully engaged in our discussion about bullying. It was amazing to see such awesome ideas, deep thoughts, and meaningful connections being written down on your pages.
Create a 10 to 20 line poem using the format you learned in class today and write about your ideas. (COUPLET FORM - You are basically creating 5-10 couplets.
You should do your best to express deep feelings and emotions in your poem. Try to get your audience to feel what your poem is trying to express.
Comment and give feedback to at least 2 other students who wrote poems that you were able to connect and identify with. Be sure to comment on the structure and content of the poems.
Edit and revise.

VIDEO LINKS:
To This Day Project - Shane Koyczan (TED TALK)

TUESDAY: NEWTON'S 3 LAWS OF MOTION

2/24/2015

You have been learning about different types of forces that exist in nature and Newton's Laws of Motion. Yesterday, you learned on your own about the 3 Law's of Motion and you reviewed it in class today with Mrs. Bohnert. Tomorrow, you will learn more about gravity and how it is different on Earth and in space. In addition to this, you will learn about friction!

1.) LA: No HW.

2.) SOCIALS: Continue researching your data for your infographics.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

What have you enjoyed most about Grade 6? (For all students)
What have you enjoyed most about Grade 7? (For grade 7 students).
Comment/Ask questions to at least 2 students.
Respond to any comments/questions you receive.
Edit/revise your original work.

VIDEO LINKS:
Finding Radius, Diameter, Circumference, and Area of Circles
Khan Academy - Circles: Radius, Diameter, and Circumference.

MONDAY: FORCES AND NEWTON'S LAWS OF MOTION

2/23/2015

Today, students were introduced to gravity which will set the stage for our class tomorrow on Newton's 3 Laws of Motion. Click on each of these links to read about these 3 Laws of Motion. You will need to do this in order to complete the Post a Response for today.
I.) First Law of Motion
II.) Second Law of Motion
III.) Third Law of Motion

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work. Check your teacher's website for your assignment.
MATH 7: Measure the circumference and diameter of 3 circular objects in your bedroom.

2.) LA 6/7: Complete section A and B of the reading booklet you completed when the students were at band.

3.) SCIENCE 6/7:

Click here to watch this video on Newton's 3 Laws of Motions so you are prepared for Science class tomorrow.
Click here to play some of these games on Newton's Laws.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Watch the posted video for the Day and read the 3 links on each of the 3 Laws in the daily blurb.
In your own words, explain each of the laws and give one example of each. Do not use the examples from the links or the video.
It is very important you watch the video and read through the 3 links today.
To make sure you all follow today's instructions, you will have a quiz on Newton's Laws of Motion in class tomorrow! Be sure to review everything from the daily blurb.

VIDEO LINKS:
Newton's 3 Laws of Motion

THURSDAY: FORCES AND MOTION (TO BE UPDATED)

2/20/2015

Today, students started learning about force and motion. They made concept maps to define what a 'FORCE' is defined to them as. They came up with: a pull, a push, gravity, exerting force, Newton's law, etc. Following this, the students continued working on a KWL chart and wrote down a few notes on what they want to learn in this unit. Many students indicated they wanted to learn more about Newton's Laws and also indicated they wanted to create models to display their learning.

1.) LA: No HW

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES:

Continue researching for your infographics
Be sure to document all your sources and reasons why your sources are reliable.
Be sure to follow your criteria sheet closely.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:
TO be updated

VIDEO LINKS:
Bill Nye the Science Guy - FORCES AND MOTION

WEDNESDAY: SITA'S LIFE IN NEPAL

2/18/2015

A Day in the Life of Rodel #circlegraph

Today, students learned more about different cultures. They read a story about a girl named Sita. She is an 11 year old girl who lives in the mountainous regions of Nepal. Although the students share some similarities with Sita, many aspects of their lives are different. We compared the similarities and differences on the board and with a class discussion. Some students mentioned that Nepal, being a developing country, is experiencing what Canadians must have experienced many years ago. Some students feel that Canada is a much more developed country compared to Nepal because many things that Sita does on a daily basis seemed quite primitive. Some students could not imagine life without their iPods and video games. Do you think you could live in Nepal like Sita does?

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work. Check your teacher's website.
MATH 7: No HW.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

For review, click here to read about Sita's life in Nepal.
In your first paragraph, based on the Nepalese culture and how Sita lives, write about what you think life would be like if you switched places with Sita.
I your second paragraph, based on what you know about Nepalese culture and how Sita currently lives, write about what you think life would be like for Sita if she switched places with you.
Include at least 3 supporting points in each paragraph to describe what life would be like for each of you.
Comment on at least one person's two paragraphs.
Respond to any comments you receive.
Edit/revise your original post.

VIDEO LINK:
Nepal Rice Harvest

TUESDAY: Infographics

2/17/2015

Gymnastics

Today, students brainstormed a list of ideas they will be researching in order to create content for their infographics. They will be finding reliable statistics by differentiating through different types of information. They will use a critical eye to find the most appropriate and reliable statistics for their projects. They received their criteria sheets today, which were based on the points they came up with in class yesterday. The students will blow full steam ahead with their research tomorrow!

1.) POST A RESPONSE:

We reviewed reliable sources of information in class today and discussed that it is not necessary to go over all of the points outlined on the C.R.A.A.P. reliability test. There were several main points that could just as easily help us identify the reliability of information.
Click on this link and give at least 3 reasons why you believe this link to be reliable or unreliable. Try to come up with reasons other students have yet to mention.
Alternatively, you can click on this video link and do the same as above.
Be sure to provide supporting sentences and do not simply state something like, "It is unreliable because it does not end with .com." Provide more evidence and be sure to explain each point in detail.
If you want to review the C.R.A.A.P. reliability test, click here. This will give you ideas that probably haven't been mentioned on the site yet.
Ask 2 students questions about their posts.
Respond to any questions/comments/feedback you receive.
Edit/revise your original post.

VIDEO LINKS:
Tree Octopus Camouflage

MONDAY: Statistics, Research, and Infographics!

2/16/2015

Today, (to be updated)

1.) MATH 6: Check your teacher's website.
MATH 7: Complete 5.2 WS and second Area of a triangle worksheet.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

You created a criteria for creating an infographic in class today. You learned about the importance of why you need reliable information from a trusted source.
Why is it important to use factual and true information and not random numbers that you have not verified to be true?
In a structured paragraph (intro, thesis, supporting statements, conclusion) please write your response.
Include at least 2 supporting sentences.
Give at least two students one thing that they can do to improve the content of their work.
Give at least two students one thing they can do to improve the structure, spelling, grammar, etc of their response.
Respond to any feedback you receive.
Edit/revise/repost.

VIDEO LINKS:
How to Create an Animated Infographic
The best

FRIDAY: TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

2/13/2015

SKILLS BC PRESENTATION

Today, the students watched a presentation by DISCOVER SKILLS BC on trades and technology. They learned about the different trades and technology career opportunities that are out there. Not only do we need doctors, teachers, and accountants, but we also need tradespeople! For example, we need carpenters, welders, mechanics, and other tradespeople for life to run smoothly. The students now understand how the skills they learn in school are transferable to some of their future career choices.

1.) LA:

Complete your 'CONCRETE/SHAPE' poem in colour. If you have any questions, post them here. You may create a poem on any topic of your choice. Be sure to use colour when you place your words into your desired image.
If you want to compete in the 'ALPHABET AEROBICS' competition, you will 'BATTLE' against your classmates on Monday. Practice using actions and/or dance moves.
Click here to review the lyrics for the poem/rap!

2.) MATH 6: Any assigned work. Check your teacher's website.
MATH 7: Complete the worksheet on 'AREA OF PARALLELOGRAMS'

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, you listened to a presentation on 'TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY CAREERS' and participated in some hands on activities to give you a better idea of what types of jobs are considered to be part of 'TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY'.
If you had to choose a 'TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY' career, which career would you choose?
Your response should be in paragraph format.
Give an inviting lead/hook.
State your topic and your thesis (2-3 points)
Give 2-3 examples of the skills you would need to perform your job. You may talk about the different subject areas you learn in school that would help you perform your job.
Give a concluding sentence.
Ask two students about their choices.
Respond to any comments you receive.
Edit/revise your original post.

VIDEO LINKS:
Skills BC 20th Anniversary
Discover Skills

USEFUL LINKS:
Alphabet Aerobics Lyrics

THURSDAY: THE UNITED NATIONS

2/12/2015

Click on this heart to see tons of examples!

Today, we again had a lively discussion in Social Studies in regards to the United Nations role in human rights. We also discussed some of the rules the United Nations has when working with each of its members. Many students contributed to the discussion and were very engaged in the topic. Following the discussion, students worked in groups to create rules that were related to the United Nations rules on how to work peacefully with all members.

1.) LA:

Today, we worked on concrete poems. (During Band) Click here to see tons of different examples of shape poems.

See if you can create a concrete/shape poem on the blog post! are you up for the challenge? (OPTIONAL)
Post it here if you are up for the challenge!

2.) MATH 6: Any assigned work
MATH 7: Area of a parallelogram worksheet.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, you worked in groups to create rules that you should follow when working in groups.
For homework, I'd like to you to create 3 rules that you feel we should have in class.
In addition to these rules, I want you to also include consequences for not following these rules.
Comment on 2 other student responses by asking them questions.
Reply to any comments/questions you receive.

VIDEO LINKS:
UN Peacekeeping Animation - Security and rule of law in the field

WEDNESDAY: Economic Warfare

2/11/2015

Today, we learned more about human rights, children's rights, and the 3 goals of the United Nations. The 3 goals revolve around promoting peace, improving our understanding of different cultures and the sharing of resources. This gave rise to a discussion on why wars are started and we started talking about how wars often get started when countries have cultural disputes and disputes over scarce resources. We discussed what is happening in the Ukraine and Russia's involvement. This also got us started on a lively discussion on economic warfare that we will continue tomorrow! I was so impressed with the amazing questions you all had in class today! Keep up the good work!

1.) MATH 6: Pre-assessment test tomorrow
MATH 7: Worksheet 5.1 Area of a parallelogram

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, we discussed the 3 goals of the United Nations and this lead to a discussion on the situation in the Ukraine and Russia's involvement.
In your own words, what does the word 'ECONOMY' mean?
In your own words, what does the term 'ECONOMIC WARFARE' mean to you?
Keep in mind, I don't want a dictionary definition for this. I want you to think critically and tell me in your own words, what you think it means.
Comment on 1 other student's response.
Reply to any comments you receive.
Edit/revise your original post at least once. A classmate, sibling, or parent can give you suggestions. (Spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc)
We will continue our discussion in class tomorrow.

VIDEO LINKS:
Economic Warfare vs Russia

TUESDAY: Rights of the Child and the United Nations

2/10/2015

Clayton Heights Band Performance

Today, the Grade 7 students started writing their FSA's today. They completed the first reading comprehension section as well as the first numeracy test. Many students found it challenging, but were able to complete the questions to the best of their abilities.

In Social Studies, the students continued learning about human rights and rights of the child. They read about human needs and wants and used their critical thinking skills to distinguish which United Nations rights were represented in different images they viewed in class.

WATER POLO: If your parents can drive tomorrow, please post a message here or click here to send me an email to let me know how many students your parents can drive. We will leave the school promptly at 1pm so tell your parents to be here by 12:55pm at the latest. Don't forget your swimming gear!

1.) POST A RESPONSE:

You have one more day to get caught up. I will be going through all of the posts from the past month tomorrow.
Enjoy your P.A.R. holiday....again! :-)

VIDEO LINKS:
To be updated

FRIDAY: TO BE UPDATED

2/8/2015

FIRST NATIONS ART

Today, (to be updated)

1.) LA: Practice your alphabet aerobics based on the descriptive feedback you received after your first presentation!

2.) MATH: Any unfinished work.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Get caught up on all your missed posts. This is your last opportunity. If you are not caught up by Tuesday morning and you exceed 5 tallies (Homework, posts, behaviour, etc) then you will not be going on our term end field trip.

VIDEO LINKS:
To be updated

THURSDAY: Writing Fluency

2/5/2015

Today, students started writing their fluency assessments which they will finish off tomorrow. They have learned about reducing the choppiness of their sentences, using appropriate transition words when necessary, and varying their sentence lengths in order to improve the rhythm and flow of their writing. The students have been learning about fluency in their writing since the beginning of January and this will add to their knowledge of writing structure which they learned about in term 1.

1.) LA: Practice reciting your Alphabet Aerobics. Presentations will begin tomorrow and you will be selected randomly to present.

2.) MATH 6: Complete the last page of booklet 1.
MATH 7 FARRELL: Math test tomorrow.

3.) FIELD TRIP: We will walk to Clayton Secondary tomorrow to watch a music performance.

4.) SOCIAL STUDIES: Watch this video on Children's Rights.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

I am in the process of assessing your participation, work, writing, etc in class and on our class site.
If you are one of the students who has not completed their homework more than 5 times, you will not be participating in our Grade 6/7 field trip at the end of the term.
I am going to give you today to get caught up so you can participate when we go the field trip.
What does this mean? This means, you must check each and every post since you came back from the Christmas holidays to ensure you completed everything according to your assignment criteria.
Check carefully so you get full participation marks for this term and you get to go on the field trip at the end of the term.
Keep in mind, I will be checking with your math teachers to see if you missed any homework assignments.

VIDEO LINKS:
Children's Rights

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